KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In the 1890's, there were an excess amount of funds available for a local judge to draft legislation to give Westport the money to build a public school library.
It took just more than $5,000 to build the Kansas City Public Library’s Westport Branch.
It's been 125 years and the Westport Branch is still standing today.
The library also is celebrating 125 years of community learning.
"It’s a historic treasure, it’s a gem," said Bre Hansen, Assistant Branch Manager at the Westport Library. "When you have this historic building in the center of Westport, it’s the heart of Westport. It’s the heart of the community. It’s the heart of Kansas City.”
Despite the changes the Westport community has gone through over the 125 years of the library's existence. along with changes the library has made, its environment still remains strong.
“It is important to have something that remains firm,” author and neighbor to the library, Vern Barnet said. “Having such a sturdy historical building gives us a pivot around which to celebrate the identity of Westport.”
People like the Herrera family said they have been coming to the library for decades, entranced by its cozy atmosphere and access to knowledge.
“The information,” Georgina Herrera said with her grandchild in tow. “You let them learn everything.”
Barnet said the impact of the Westport Library is more than just a giant old building with books inside.
"The library is filled with friends from thousands of years," Barnet said. "Through the collection of important books. It’s really a mark of our civilization and a mark of what makes Westport such a special place."
The Westport Library will have plenty of activities to celebrates it 125 years serving its community.
Wednesday’s celebration included a reception with library executives and local civil rights leader, Alvin Brooks.
The festivities continue February 23, with story time and a concert from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
